What does Herman mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally considered a male name, Herman has seen increasing use as a female name in various cultures. The name has its roots in Germanic languages, where it was originally derived from the elements 'heri' meaning army and 'man' meaning man or warrior. In modern times, names have become i
Cultural significance
Herman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of warrior.
Peak popularity
Reached #1121 in 1891 — currently #883 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Herman?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Herman?
Herman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Herman Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Herman Rose
Floral · soft ending
Herman Mae
Sweet · timeless
Herman Claire
French influence · crisp
Herman Jane
Literary · strong
Herman Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Herman right now?
Holding steady — currently #883 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #883 | 1,317 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #888 | 1,297 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #893 | 1,267 | ▲ up 8219 · +21017% births |
| 1980 | #9112 | 6 | ▼ down 2609 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #6503 | 8 | ▼ down 115 · +14% births |
| 1970 | #6388 | 7 | ▼ down 1877 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #4511 | 9 | ▼ down 578 · -18% births |
| 1960 | #3933 | 11 | ▲ up 820 · +57% births |
| 1955 | #4753 | 7 | ▼ down 1318 · -30% births |
| 1950 | #3435 | 10 | ▼ down 967 · -23% births |
| 1945 | #2468 | 13 | ▼ down 153 |
| 1940 | #2315 | 13 | ▲ up 271 · +18% births |
| 1935 | #2586 | 11 | ▼ down 1048 · -58% births |
| 1930 | #1538 | 26 | ▼ down 1 · -10% births |
| 1925 | #1537 | 29 | — |
The story of Herman
Herman has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. More than 136,473 babies have been named Herman since 1891. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1946 in 1905 to #883 in 2023. Herman is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Herman in 1891:
Herman by decade
Herman peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,689 | |
| 1890s | 4,252 | |
| 1900s | 5,081 | |
| 1910s | 22,716 | |
| 1920s ★ | 29,205 | |
| 1930s | 20,457 | |
| 1940s | 16,950 | |
| 1950s | 13,919 | |
| 1960s | 8,425 | |
| 1970s | 4,802 | |
| 1980s | 3,130 | |
| 1990s | 1,956 | |
| 2000s | 1,092 | |
| 2010s | 745 | |
| 2020s | 54 | |
What are good nicknames for Herman?
Famous people named Herman
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Herman (Germanic saint)
Herman spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
H(
Herman (medieval German ruler)
Herman bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
H(
Herman (Scandinavian royal)
Herman held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
H(
Herman (Germanic saint)
Herman spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Herman?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herman also consider these
How is Herman written in other languages?
Gender variants of Herman
Common questions about the name Herman
What does the name Herman mean?
Herman means "warrior" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Herman?
Herman is currently ranked #883 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Herman?
Herman originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Herman?
Herman is a two-syllable name pronounced HH ER1 M AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Herman a common or rare name?
Herman is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.